Deadly virus risks up in desert NT floods

Authorities are warning Territorians living in the desert region that recent heavy rainfall could increase the risk of a deadly mosquito virus.

Mosquito numbers are tipped to rise following monsoons in Central Australia, with fears it might trigger an early start to the Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) season.

The rare and potentially fatal disease has no cure or vaccine.

Symptoms can include severe headache and fever, drowsiness, tremor and seizures - especially in young children.

In some cases, the illness can progress to delirium, coma, permanent brain damage or death.

Residents in the Barkly and Alice Springs regions are being urged to take precautions to protect themselves against mosquitoes

"To avoid mosquito-borne disease, use personal mosquito protection and avoid being outdoors in or close to wetland areas or places where mosquitoes are active, especially after sunset," NT Department of Health's Director of Medical Entomology, Nina Kurucz said.

She said water birds are the host of the MVE virus, and some of these birds are likely to migrate to Central Australia following extensive rain in late December.

The MVE virus is transmitted by mosquitoes that are active after sunset, and can occur in pest numbers within a few kilometres of their breeding sites about 10 days after flooding rains.

They breed in grassy depressions filled with water, seasonal lagoons and wetlands.

These mosquito species are also able to transmit Ross River virus.

The last MVE case in Central Australia was recorded in February 2015 in the Barkly region.

MOZZIE PROTECTION IN THE NT:

* Use a protective repellent containing 20 per cent DEET when outdoors in mosquito prone areas.

* Wear light-coloured clothing with long sleeves, long trousers and socks, between dusk and dawn.

* Avoid outdoor exposure near areas of dense vegetation.

* Use mosquito-proof accommodation and camping facilities at night.

* Use mosquito coils, mosquito lanterns and barrier sprays in outdoor areas near houses.